Message From the Co-Chairs
With the unprecedented events of the 2008 presidential election buildup as a backdrop, one consensus has emerged—change is the word of the day no matter which side of the fence you are on. Candidates have thrown this word around at every possible opportunity, letting voters know that the status quo will not be acceptable in the future.
In many ways, OPALGA mirrors the nation. Working with our strategic-planning consultant, Dr. Carol Goldbaum, during the last four months of 2007, the Board of Directors took a hard, critical look at virtually every aspect of the organization. It may sound trite, but “thinking outside the box” became a necessity rather than a wish. OPALGA is at a key transitional phase in its organizational development, and we must make some major changes as we prepare to undergo significant growth. In short, change is going to be a big part of our lexicon in the coming months and years.
As the Board of Directors awaits the final report from Dr. Goldbaum, we know certain facts. The in-depth examination of OPALGA revealed that we need to make changes in four important areas: membership, programming, management, and finance. Why are these areas so critical? In order to give members of OPALGA the most value for their membership dollars, we need to operate both efficiently and effectively so that you can see first-hand the benefits of OPALGA membership. Membership benefits must be both strengthened and communicated to our members. Programs that meet the many and diverse needs of our members need to be planned and offered. The Board must create a management structure that allows the organization to grow both now and in the future. Finally, a financial structure that allows us to practice fiscal responsibility at all times must be put into place. Each of these areas may sound quite basic, but the Board must now thoroughly examine each area and create a series of action plans with specific responsibilities. OPALGA will become a stronger organization, and the results will become visible to all of you.
How can you help? One fundamental area in which your input has an immediate impact is membership. Think of many of your friends who are not members of OPALGA and plan to introduce them to OPALGA in some way. Bring them to a potluck, and let them see who the members are. Invite them to the “Twelfth Night” Gala, which supports the ongoing cultural and social events for OPALGA members, services for youth and young adults, and our organization’s work with other community groups to promote diversity. We are in the midst of a strong LGBT population in Oak Park, Berwyn, Forest Park, and other surrounding communities, and yet our membership could, and should, be higher. We plan to grow our membership by year-end and to increase it significantly by 12/31/2010. There is strength in numbers, and OPALGA is a strong organization that will get even stronger.
Such growth is a major challenge but one that we gladly accept. OPALGA’s major strength is its membership, and with almost 20 years of our organization’s history behind us, we are in a strong position to continue building on our foundation. So, the next time you hear a candidate call for change, think of OPALGA and how we, too, must change.
One thing to remember about change—when you take a closer look, you might really like what you see!
